Screening for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually administered to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.

Screening Tests

The digital rectal exam can detect
BPH
. This involves your doctor inserting a gloved finger into the lower rectum. From here, your doctor can estimate the size of your prostate, identify some (but not all) cancers, and find anal diseases.

A
prostate specific antigen
(PSA) test
may be done as a screening tool for prostate cancer (not for BPH). Unfortunately, men with prostate cancer
or
BPH can have high PSA levels. Other prostate conditions such as prostatitis can also lead to high PSA levels. More tests or studies may need to be done to determine that exact cause of the high PSA level.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.